jdhmnovel Chapter 292 Winning Over Allies
Chapter 292 Winning Over Allies
At this time, Ying Wuyou had not yet developed a bureaucratic system that he considered perfect and suitable for the feudal dynasty. Therefore, even if he wanted to refute it, he lacked a superior system to support his argument. Moreover, deep down, Ying Wuyou felt that the Three Departments and Six Ministries system of later generations was superior to the current Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system. However, if he were to propose the Three Departments and Six Ministries system now, it would likely be adopted directly. Nevertheless, the Three Departments and Six Ministries system itself was not without flaws.
Moreover, reform is by no means a one-off event; it requires not only ample time to advance gradually but also a step-by-step evolutionary process. This is similar to the development of numerology, which must gradually evolve from 1 to 2 before reaching stage 3. If the intermediate stage 2 is skipped, it becomes difficult to demonstrate the rationality and feasibility of stage 3, and a truly meaningful evolutionary process cannot be achieved. Therefore, each step in this evolutionary process is crucial and indispensable.
If I were to rashly and immediately unveil the entirely new system, based on the reforms of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers and the Three Departments and Six Ministries, it would inevitably seem too abrupt and radical, making it difficult for the ministers in the court to accept and recognize it. In that case, the smooth implementation and passage of this system would undoubtedly face numerous obstacles.
Since now was not the best time to refute, after careful consideration, Ying Wuyou slowly spoke, "Father, in my opinion, while the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system proposed by Li Tingwei certainly has its merits, there are still many details that need to be discussed. Therefore, regarding the reform of the bureaucratic system, we need not rush to adopt Li Tingwei's suggestion. Perhaps in a few days, someone will present a more refined and perfect proposal?"
King Qin could tell that Ying Wuyou disagreed with Li Si's proposed Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system. Although the reasons were not yet clear, based on his understanding of Jiayang, King Qin guessed that Jiayang might have a more perfect bureaucratic system. Thinking of this, King Qin nodded slightly and said slowly, "Hmm, what Jiayang said makes sense. My dear ministers, please step down and think it over carefully. If you can come up with a better plan, you can present it to me, and you will be richly rewarded."
Hearing the King of Qin's words, Li Si felt resentful. However, he also understood that rashly defying the emperor's will at this moment would be detrimental to himself. Thinking of this, Li Si secretly pondered: It would be better to wait until after court and discuss the matter with several ministers. Once he had gathered some allies, he could expedite the passage of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system. Once this system took root, even if Princess Jiayang later proposed other, more excellent bureaucratic systems, they would be difficult to replace in the short term.
In this way, the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system he proposed could be implemented and would last for at least several years. Once he successfully ascended to the position of Prime Minister, even if this system was eventually replaced by other emerging bureaucratic systems, it would inevitably be a long process. As for himself, he only needed to ensure that he could fully enjoy the supreme power, second only to the monarch, granted by the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system during his lifetime.
As for what would happen after his death, Li Si didn't really care much. Besides, he was well aware that his two sons' abilities were truly limited; they were merely mediocre, and for them to hope of becoming prime ministers was practically a pipe dream, utterly impossible. As for whether his descendants would have the opportunity to rise to the position again, Li Si hadn't given it much thought. Of course, he wasn't particularly concerned. As the saying goes, children and grandchildren only have their own blessings; for Li Si, himself was the most important. He didn't feel any special affection for his grandchildren, let alone his future generations.
After thinking everything through, Li Si bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty is wise." Seeing that Li Si had stopped arguing, everyone shouted in unison, "Your Majesty is wise!" The King of Qin waved his hand slightly, and then Fu De, who was beside him, shouted loudly, "Dismiss the court!" Thus, the ministers filed out and slowly left the solemn and dignified Zhangtai Hall.
After leaving Zhangtai Palace, Ying Wuyou immediately saw Li Si holding Wang Wan tightly in the distance, the two chatting happily. Ying Wuyou thought to himself, "Li Si really won't give up easily; he's already starting to build alliances so quickly."
Ying Wuyou felt that the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system advocated by Li Si seemed to be quite beneficial to those in high positions of power, but in reality, this system did not bring much benefit to the vast majority of officials in the court who did not hold the positions of Three Dukes and Nine Ministers.
Thinking of this, Ying Wuyou couldn't help but smile slightly, because she understood that these officials who were not part of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system naturally became her potential allies. Therefore, she began to secretly plan, intending to carefully select a group of suitable candidates from this group and instruct them to propose the Three Departments and Six Ministries system.
When the time is ripe, the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers system and the Three Departments and Six Ministries system will inevitably engage in a fierce clash and contest. And just as the two sides are locked in a fierce battle, Ying Wuyou can opportunely unveil a completely new system, superior and more perfect than either of the former two, to astound everyone. At that time, the ultimate victory in this power struggle will surely belong to him!
In the days that followed, Li Si launched a series of intensive actions. He first won over Chancellor Wang Wan, and then he set his sights on the candidate for Grand Censor. In Li Si's view, there were not many officials in the Qin Dynasty who could serve as Grand Censor. Li Si won over several people who were likely to be Grand Censor, with the reason that he would help them get the position.
Moreover, Li Si set his sights on the brothers Meng Tian and Meng Yi. However, faced with Li Si's offer, Meng Tian and Meng Yi remained remarkably steadfast, refusing his invitations several times. Seeing that he could not persuade them, Li Si had no choice but to give up and turn his attention to General Wang Jian and his son Wang Ben.
As a seasoned and experienced general, Wang Jian possessed a keen insight into the situation. He knew that this was not the best time for him to make a name for himself, so he decisively chose to feign illness and stay at home, refusing visitors, in order to avoid Li Si's attempts to win him over.
Although Li Si thought he was acting discreetly, his actions ultimately did not escape Ying Wuyou's notice. In fact, even without Ying Wuyou deliberately probing, she maintained a high level of vigilance towards Li Si, never letting her guard down. To better understand Li Si's movements, Ying Wuyou specifically dispatched someone to secretly and closely monitor his every move. Thus, all of Li Si's actions were placed under Ying Wuyou's close surveillance.